Welcome to Biology! Please sign in by the door and pick up a syllabus! Thank you for attending, Wendy Donahue

Biology Class Topics I. Scientific Method and Characteristics of Life II. Cellular Chemistry, Structure and Physiology III. DNA and Genetics IV. Evolution and Classification V. The Kingdoms of Life VI. Ecology and Human Impact

ULTIMATE GOALS! A thorough understanding of living things in the world around us. Knowledge necessary and desire to achieve scientific literacy. Develop, practice and utilize 21st Century Skills. For Biology: Pass the EOC and the graduation requirement!

Biology Daily Activities Biology is a fast-paced course! Bell Ringer-Journal Homework Check Reading / Lecture / Class notes / Discussion (using Biology handbook) Hands-on activities or labs (nearly every day!) Review assignments Homework

My expectations for students: Come prepared: Homework complete, all materials ready Stay alert and attentive. Actively participate in class! Use higher-level thinking skills. Go beyond the obvious. Strain your brain! Everything will not be in your “comfort zone”. Get help if you need it! Take responsibility for their learning!

Tips for Success Use an agenda or planner to keep up with assignments. Stay organized. We move quickly and cover a lot of material. Study every day. Study according to your learning style. Come to tutoring if you need help. Use the class website to gain necessary resources and information.

Assessments “Informal” assessments include classwork and homework that support the student as they are learning the material (labs, case studies, review worksheets, reading quizzes – these are 30% of the students average “Formal” assessments include tests and assignments that determine student mastery of the material – these are 70% of the student’s average

Assessments Students can improve assessment scores by completing remediation and re-testing. Remediation consists of a test correction form that is completed on a students own time prior to re-testing. Re-test – any student who does not score at mastery level (79%) on a FORMAL assessment may re-test within 7 days. This is only offered after school.

Use PowerSchool to check grades and progress of your student. Need a code? Visit the media center tonight.

TARDY POLICY: 1st Tardy: ASD Parent notified by teacher 2nd Tardy: ASD Parent notified by teacher 3rd Tardy: ASD, Administrative Referral, parent notified, ½ day ISD 4th + Tardy: ASD, Administrative Referral, parent notified, 1 day ISD

ABSENCES You are considered absent any time that you are not in class AND/OR any time that you arrive in class more than 45 minutes after class has begun. All work MUST be made up within 5 days of your absence If you are absent from class more than 10 times, you must make up 90 minutes of time after school for EACH absence over 10 according to CMS policy. If absences are not made up minute-for-minute after school, you will receive an F in the course, regardless of your grade in the class.

Other days may be possible if arranged in advance! Tutoring!!! Thursdays 2:15 – 3:00 Other days may be possible if arranged in advance!

Contact Information BEST CONTACT is e-mail! E-mail: wendy1.donahue.cms.k12.nc.us Website: http://sciencedonahue.weebly.com